Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro vs. Asus ROG Phone 5s: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 5s represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The K40 Pro aims for a compelling price-to-performance ratio, while the ROG Phone 5s prioritizes uncompromised gaming capabilities. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing value and everyday performance, the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro offers a fantastic experience. However, the Asus ROG Phone 5s is the clear winner for dedicated mobile gamers who demand the highest frame rates, advanced cooling, and specialized gaming features.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro Asus ROG Phone 5s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Version 1
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - Version 1
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 1
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4
Launch
Announced2021, February 252021, August 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 04Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)238 g (8.40 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantRGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro)64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4520 mAhLi-Po 6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, AuroraPhantom Black, Storm White
ModelsM2012K11CZS676KS
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 1030 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Excellent overall performance for daily tasks
  • Potentially more versatile camera system

  • Less optimized for sustained gaming performance
  • Slower charging speed compared to the ROG Phone 5s

Asus ROG Phone 5s

  • Superior gaming performance due to Snapdragon 888+
  • Advanced cooling system prevents thermal throttling
  • Faster charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Higher price tag
  • May offer less value for non-gaming users

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels, the context data doesn't provide specifics. However, given Asus's ROG branding, the 5s likely boasts a higher refresh rate (120Hz or 144Hz) compared to the K40 Pro, offering smoother visuals in games. The ROG Phone 5s also likely incorporates a higher touch sampling rate, crucial for responsive gaming. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but the ROG Phone 5s' design prioritizes screen real estate for immersive gaming.

Camera Comparison

The provided data doesn't detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets. Given the K40 Pro's positioning, it likely features a more versatile camera system geared towards general photography. The ROG Phone 5s, while capable, likely prioritizes camera functionality less than gaming features. Expect the K40 Pro to offer a wider range of shooting modes and potentially better image processing for everyday photos. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the K40 Pro is likely to offer a more balanced photographic experience.

Performance

Both phones utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 series, but the ROG Phone 5s features the upgraded Snapdragon 888+. The 888+ boasts a slightly higher clock speed (2.99 GHz vs 2.84 GHz on the K40 Pro's Cortex-X1), resulting in a marginal performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. More importantly, the 888+ benefits from improved thermal management, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer periods. Both devices utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the ROG Phone 5s' advanced cooling system is the key differentiator, preventing thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. This means the ROG Phone 5s will maintain higher frame rates for longer.

Battery Life

The Redmi K40 Pro charges at 33W, reaching 100% in 52 minutes, while the ROG Phone 5s boasts 65W charging, achieving 70% in 30 minutes and 100% in 52 minutes. Although both reach full charge in the same time, the ROG Phone 5s' faster initial charging is beneficial for quick top-ups. The ROG Phone 5s also includes 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the K40 Pro. While battery capacity isn't specified, the ROG Phone 5s likely has a larger battery to support its power-hungry gaming features, offsetting the K40 Pro's potentially more efficient chipset.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro if you need a powerful all-rounder with excellent performance for daily tasks, media consumption, and casual gaming, all at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 5s if you prioritize a dedicated gaming experience, demanding sustained peak performance during long gaming sessions, and appreciate features like AirTriggers and a high refresh rate display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the Redmi K40 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While the K40 Pro likely has thermal management features, it won't be as effective as the ROG Phone 5s' dedicated cooling system. Expect some performance throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to dropped frames.
❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 5s support high frame rate gaming like 90fps or 120fps in popular titles?
Yes, the ROG Phone 5s is specifically designed for high frame rate gaming. Its Snapdragon 888+ and advanced cooling system allow it to maintain high frame rates in many popular titles, provided the game supports those settings. Asus also provides software optimizations to enhance gaming performance.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Redmi K40 Pro slow compared to other phones?
While 33W isn't the fastest charging available, it's still reasonably quick. It takes approximately 52 minutes to fully charge, which is comparable to many flagship phones. The ROG Phone 5s' 65W charging is faster, but the difference isn't massive in real-world usage.
❓ What are AirTriggers on the Asus ROG Phone 5s and how do they enhance gaming?
AirTriggers are ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the ROG Phone 5s that can be mapped to in-game actions. This allows for more precise control and faster response times, providing a competitive edge in games. They can be customized to simulate physical buttons, improving the gaming experience.